XML2Text

XML2Text is a simple but serious playground for FCP sequence XMLs. It will extract some useful information and allows to save this information in different formats.
Additionally you can exchange some project specific information even with people whose XML2Text demo period is expired.

XML2Text can extract either Marker or Clip information from the sequence XML.

The Marker information can be used to feed encoders other than Apple's Compressor with precise chapter information or get chapter information into DVD Studio Pro.
Another use could be, to 'lift' markers from a clip level to the sequence level, so special notes are more obvious when editing. Also a print out of the saved marker text list is often helpful when it comes together with the video of the sequence.
If you use Adobe's PhotoShop or a similar application to create graphics for your DVD project XML2Text can be helpful too. If you change the selection in the marker or clip table the clipboard will contain the name of the marker or clip. So it's fast and easy to paste the text into your favorite application to create your menus.

The Clip information can be used in various ways.
Most simple usage is to have just a list of all clips, which are used in the sequence along with all relevant information like scene, shot, log note and comments. This could helpful to communicate with people who have to review or work with the video of the sequence, but don't have access to the original FCP project.
Also text string information of standard FCP text generators is extracted into an extra text data source, which can used to create an STL for DVD SP.

Another usage is the creation of a merged batch list from a merged tape of selects or used clips. Traditionally that would have lost original Timecode but XML2Text converts the clip data so that they do match the sequence timecode data and creates a batch list which can be used later to batch the complete tape or just some single clips from the merged tape. Even with a crash record to tape it will work, if you set the sequence TC start value to the value of the recording's start of the tape before exporting to XML.

XML2Text also allows to review STL (Sub Title Lists) files quickly. You can do this in context with the XML (using the audio clips as reference) or as "standalone" with a movie only.
Currently XML2Text only works as a simple review app and not as an full subtitler or interpreter for STLs: so comment lines will be ignored or added to the text as they are; also individual text settings for a title except 'FadeIn', 'FadeOut' and 'ForceDisplay' will be ignored